BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 3464

81R15828 EAH-D                                                                                             By: Keffer (Averitt)

Natural Resources

5/19/2009

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Hood County has certain regulatory authority over the unincorporated areas of the county. Violations of those regulations are considered misdemeanors punishable by a fine. The statute requires that such cases be tried in district court. However, Article V (Judicial Department), Section 19 (Justices of the Peace; Jurisdiction; Ex Officio Notaries Public), of the Texas Constitution gives justice courts jurisdiction over criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only.

H.B. 3464 provides that such cases be tried in the justice court instead of the district court.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 231.229(b), Local Government Code, to require that trial be in the justice, rather than district, court.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2009.